Esbe

In 1906, ESBE or then called Skogsfors Bruk, was founded by a true entrepreneur called Johan August Skogsfors. At an age of only 26 years he had started up a most modern factory in southern Sweden, Småland Province, for manufacturing cultivators and seed machines, products needed to rationalize farming. Above all, he installed a power station for electricity - and he became the first one to have this modernity - in the small village of Reftele.

In the mid 1930’s the product range was extended to include also water pumps, hydrophores and mixing valves. The company grew and Johan Augusts son Göte joined the company. Johan August decided to divide the company in three parts and gave the mixing valve business to Göte. A much smaller industry was now commanded by Göte who continued product and production developments. For example the first patented 4-way mixing valve was launched in 1939.

The company grew and exports increased – the ESBE mixing valves had soon become an industry standard. In 1965 exports consisted of more than 50% of the turnover. Also, in several Central European countries, the ESBE mixing valves was equal to the context Swedenmischer (Swedish mixing valves). At the time, Göte had fallen ill and his son Mats, the third generation Skogsfors, joined the company and within short became the new Director of ESBE in year 1967.